Saturday, January 28, 2017

The Frequent Facebook Fracas

I
joined Facebook in late 2007. Over the years, I have engaged in
hundreds, maybe even thousands, of political discussions of various
size and intensity. It should not come as a surprise. My friends
list is full of pundits, political activists, and lawyers from both
sides of the political spectrum. Our relationships are much like
those of professional wrestlers. We will smack each other around in
the ring, but it is all for the sake of a good show. At least that
was true until Donald Trump was sworn in as president last week.

My
news feed has featured more heated tussles in the last seven days than
in the last five years. Trump has managed to infuriate the
political left to the point they are nostalgic for George W. Bush. I
am nostalgic for the days of Bush Derangement Syndrome myself. At
least then I could make flippant Facebook status updates poking fun
at liberals without the need to gear up for verbal war.

There were three cases of Trump Derangement Syndrome to note from my news
feed all of which were inadvertently triggered by yours truly. The
first was an assertion Trump was under no obligation to acknowledge
the Women's March. Second, an declaration of support for the Dakota
pipeline over hippy protesters. The final was a lament my spring
break plans in Tehran were ruined by the Iranian ban on American
traveler in response to Trump's temporary ban on Muslims from
recognized terrorist nations. The first was a frank observation.
The latter were clearly flippant comments meant to be funny and
little else.

All
three prompted long discussion threads that me on the defensive –
often against multiple detractors. In these comment threads, I
needed to cite philosophical point, legislation, court cases, and—in
the case of my Christianity being criticized—Scripture. Do not get
me wrong. I enjoyed every minute of it. I am eager for more at any
point. Comprehensive arguing for a position is stimulating,
particularly when utilizing multiple academic disciplines. I am
merely saying Trump's haters on the left need to pace themselves or
they will suffer a collective nervous breakdown by Easter.